Position Summary
Position Description
Position Purpose and Responsibilities
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeks to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in watershed-based education with a particular focus on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions using technologies and data science, where applicable at individual and community landscape levels. The Regional Watershed Specialist for the Lower Eastern Shore will work in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties in Maryland as well as statewide to provide non-formal education and technical assistance to stakeholders, including local and county governments, watershed groups, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), communities, and individuals. Education programming will focus on practices that improve water quality and quantity at the local level that lead to quantifiable reductions in non-point sources of pollution, as well as improvement of water quantity/quality issues in the face of a changing climate, increasing catastrophic weather events, and intensities in a rapidly urbanizing region and state. The educator will be a member of the University of Maryland Extension’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP), which consists of faculty members with similar educational responsibilities in other regions of the state.
The educator aids with efforts such as implementing educational components of local watershed implementation plans (WIPs), local Watershed Stewards Academies (WSA), and actively participates in the Watershed Assistance Collaborative (WAC). The individual will provide educational leadership on important issues and utilize scientific and traditional local ecological knowledge when relevant and appropriate.
The educator will conduct needs assessments to identify research and education program priorities of targeted audiences. The educator will be responsible for working intentionally and collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the needs of audiences. The position will interpret and disseminate the latest research findings using a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for intended target audiences, including, but not limited to, presentations, one-on-one technical assistance, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media, and community coalitions.
In addition to base program funds, the educator will be responsible for securing resources through grants, contracts, program fees, partnerships, and sponsorships to develop a robust Extension program that uses innovative teaching and learning strategies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs that engage participants in a collaborative learning environment and encourage adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the defined timeframe, and will fulfill the teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a University of Maryland faculty member. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Program Leader & Assistant Director for the Environment and Natural Resources and Sea Grant Program.
Qualifications:
Required –
Master of Science or equivalent in environmental engineering, landscape architecture or design, or related social science or green infrastructure scientific field with an emphasis on technology and stormwater best management practices.
Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering educational and/or Extension programs to audiences in formal or informal settings using a variety of media.
Experience in conducting program evaluation to measure outcomes and appropriate economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Demonstrated leadership and management abilities and evidence of working with colleagues, students, agency personnel, and other clientele. Evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member.
Evidence of scholarship in research, extension, and outreach.
Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out-of-state travel may also be required.
Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and need.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and a University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferred –
PhD or equivalent in environmental engineering, landscape architecture or design, or related social science or green infrastructure scientific field with an emphasis on technology and stormwater best management practices.
Experience in the above fields
Extension or similar work experience (e.g., work in education, university outreach).
Experience working with volunteers is desirable.
Demonstrated ability in acquiring grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming.
Physical Demands of the Position:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position frequently presents information through verbal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from field research areas and teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set up and teardown of research machinery, project displays, tables, and chairs will be necessary at many teaching sites.
This position requires the employee to work outdoors conducting field research, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Field work may involve walking on uneven terrain, wooded areas, or wetlands.
Additional Information: Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work-visa requirements.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s salary range $64,763.00-$78,763.00 and Ph.D. salary range $77,350.00-$91,350.00. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package which includes tuition remission.
Applications: All candidates must apply online. A complete application packet must include the following documents:
Cover Letter
CV
Copies of Transcripts
Three (3) references, each with name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
Please note that you may upload multiple documents within the same upload field when submitting your application.
Closing Date: For best consideration, complete the application by X/X/2025. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.